Deputy Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Nii Tetteh Laryea Cyril, has defended the economic record of the John Dramani Mahama administration. He also urged the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reflect on the factors that contributed to its defeat in the 2024 elections. Laryea made these comments on Ahotor FM's Yepe Ahunu programme. He argued that the performance of the current administration should be assessed against the economic conditions it inherited and the commitments it made to Ghanaians.
Laryea cited food inflation as one of the indicators that demonstrates changes in economic conditions. According to him, food inflation was around 8 per cent in 2017 and increased to approximately 27.8 per cent by 2024. He said the reduction recorded since the change of government should be considered when assessing the administration's economic management. This, he believes, will provide a fair understanding of the government's economic performance.
The YEA Deputy Director also pointed to developments in the foreign exchange market, stressing the importance of currency stability to businesses. A stable currency environment enables businesses to forecast costs, plan investments, and make decisions with greater certainty. He emphasized that businesses require a stable economic environment to expand their operations, invest, and create employment.
Laryea defended President Mahama's campaign promise that Ghana would become a construction site. He said ongoing infrastructure projects demonstrate the government's efforts to fulfil that commitment. The administration's Reset Agenda, he maintained, is not limited to economic stabilisation but also includes infrastructure development, employment creation, and measures intended to improve the general business environment.
The YEA Deputy Director highlighted youth employment as a major component of the government's agenda. He claimed that more than 86,000 young Ghanaians had secured employment through government initiatives. Providing employment opportunities for young people is critical, he stressed, because the youth represent an important part of the country's future.
Laryea called on the NPP to critically examine the reasons for its defeat in the 2024 elections instead of focusing exclusively on criticisms of the current government. He argued that the opposition party should examine its record in government, the economic challenges it faced, and the concerns raised by voters. This reflection, he believes, will help the NPP reorganise and identify the issues that contributed to its loss of power.
Laryea maintained that the NDC returned to government with a promise to reset the economy and address challenges confronting Ghanaians. The administration's economic management, infrastructure projects, and youth employment initiatives should be considered as components of that broader agenda. He urged Ghanaians to assess the government based on its programmes and their implementation.
Key points
- Nii Tetteh Laryea defends John Mahama's economic record.
- Laryea urges NPP to reflect on 2024 election defeat.
- The government has created over 86,000 youth employment opportunities.
